Sorkin is a genius! Studio 60 was so dead on tonight!

[Sydnie]

I am sitting here in tears to the tribute they did for New Orleans. Add to that the FCC controversy story line (Asner is perfect for the part of the station owner)and the blossoming love story lines with both the lead male characters, and they have snagged me hook, line, and sinker.

The band playing that tribute were chilling. Anyone else catch tonights show?

[deadparrot]

1. I loved the music and the FCC storyline.

The romances, meh. I'd rather them not go there, but if it's the price I have to pay for my weekly Sorkin fix, then so be it. :)

[mnhtnbb]

2. FABULOUS! You beat me to the post. Those on West Coast--don't miss this show!

[Cleita]

3. Wasn't that beautiful?

"We want our city back". I hope I got that right.

[Sydnie]

4. It was so moving and so sweet

yet so haunting. The perfect way to end a Christmas show.

[americanstranger]

7. 'All I want for Christmas is my city back.'

That was a gorgeous rendition of 'Oh, Holy Night' as well. Great show.

- as

[mnhtnbb]

17. Very moving. Had me swearing about the criminals running this country

and the fact that Bush/Cheney are going to sit there for another two years--fighting the will of the people.

It's insane. It's criminal.

[Imalittleteapot]

5. Studio 60 - a favorite. TIVOd tonight's episode. How are the

ratings? Don't want to loose this one. I don't know anyone who watches it.

[Sydnie]

8. I don't know

I heard rumors that they were only on for 12 (was that the number??) episodes and there haven't been any decisions made (or announcements to the contrary) about renewal. I will be so sad if they don't renew it for more seasons.

[Az]

30. It was touch and go for a while

They were not picking up the numbers they needed. But it looks like they turned up finally and they got picked up for the full season (22 episodes). They did have to lower the license costs though due to the lower than expected numbers. It also looks to me like the are moving to a more personable level in the writing and tightening the cast. That is they are dialing in their audience. So we get at least the one season and if their numbers pick up maybe another.

[Sydnie]

64. That is good news

I hope we get lots of seasons of this show.

[lonestarnot]

6. Who's Sorkin and what channel?

[progdonkey]

9. Aaron Sorkin, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Stip", on NBC

He was the original writer of the West Wing, wrote the screenplay for A Few Good Men and the American President.

[lonestarnot]

12. Oh. I've never watched any of those. Just news. Guess I must now.

I have a TV! Woot! woohoo! :applause:

[SidDithers]

78. And don't forget Sports Night...

which was short lived and vastly underrated, with a terrific cast including Felicity Huffman.

Sid

[progdonkey]

80. yeah, I forgot that...

probably because I'm one of those people who "underrate" it.... O8)

As they said on Family Guy during one of the random interludes they have (two students lick a toad to get high)," Wow! I totally get Aaron Sorkin's 'Sports Night' now! It's just too good to be funny!"

[americanstranger]

10. Aaron Sorkin.

Former producer of 'The West Wing.'

Mondays at 10:00, NBC.

And I'm pretty sure one of the cable networks re-runs the episodes later in the week. Not sure which one, tho.

- as

[knitter4democracy]

67. With Heroes right on before it.

Also an amazing show. One of the best ones on tv these days.

[mnhtnbb]

11. Wrote "The West Wing". New show is "Studio 60" on NBC

[lonestarnot]

15. Ok I will watch!

[Sydnie]

14. NBC - Aaron Sorkin as in West Wing

Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip is the full name of the show.

You can catch tonights episode here - http://www.nbc.com/Video/rewind/full_episodes/?show=studio60

On edit - they are currently webcasting last weeks episode. this weeks show won't be up until 2 AM tomorrow.

[jakefrep]

13. IMO, The best episode yet

It brought to mind some of the Christmastime episodes of the West Wing, especially with the great music.

[BattyDem]

16. Best episode so far!

The New Orleans band tribute was both beautiful and heartbreaking ... "All I want for Christmas is my city back." :cry: :patriot:

I really love this show! It just keeps getting better and better. I hope NBC gives it a chance to find an audience.

On edit: ***SPOILER**** (scroll down)






















Forgot to mention --- I was cheering when Matt kissed Harriet ... and Danny's confession to Jordan was soooo sweet!!! :loveya:

[Cleita]

18. That band, I believe, was Branford Marsalis and his fellow

New Orleans jazz musicians.

[BattyDem]

19. I thought he looked familiar!

I wasn't sure who it was ... thanks for the info. :-)

[americanstranger]

25. That trumpet player looked a little young to be a Marsalis.

Just checked the NBC site. Not a Marsalis anywhere to be found.

Troy Andrews, Trumpet
Kirk Joseph, Sousaphone
Roderick Paulin, Saxophone
Frederick Shepherd, Saxophone
Stephen Walker, Trombone
Mervin "Kid Merv" Campbell, Trumpet
Bob French, Drums

They were all NOLA musicians, though. That kid playing trumpet was real good.

- as

[Cleita]

27. They were fantastic, Marsalis or no. They brought tears to my eyes.

eom

[americanstranger]

29. NOLA is just brimming with brilliant musicians.

That's why I'm hoping to retire there one day and play blues until my fingers stop working. :)

- as

[BattyDem]

28. That trumpet player looked really familiar to me

I wonder if he's appeared on television before. :shrug:

In any case ... the entire band was AWESOME! :applause:

[BattyDem]

37. Did a Google - I just figured out where I saw the trumpet player

Troy Andrews appeared on a PBS special "Five Young Musicians" in 2004. I vaguely remember watching it, so that's why he looked familiar to me. :-)

[ms liberty]

56. Not Branford...

Although, the horn he was playing was one that is exactly like one of Wynton's. mr liberty is a musician and a HUGE Wynton Marsalis fan - met him and got his autograph in the early 90's.

[Sydnie]

21. I expected the kiss

and was hoping for the declaration. The love story lines make me smile.

Oh, I forgot to mention the opening of the show within the show. The Chris Hanson greeting of Santa had me laughing out loud. If Saturday Night Live were actually doing sketches like that, they might actually win their audience back.

[BattyDem]

23. I was LMAO at the "Dateline" sketch!

:rofl:


You're right ... the SNL writer's need to watch Studio 60 and take notes because the fake late-night comedy show is looking better than the real one.

[Lex]

65. OMG--that was so funny.

I too thought "Why can't the REAL Saturday Night Live be this funny!"

[bdamomma]

20. great show, I think Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford are

casted great for the show. Good show tonite.

[AtomicKitten]

22. West coast here; haven't seen it yet.

But I really, really, really LOVE the show. The writing is top drawer.

[Sydnie]

24. Don't miss it tonight

and bring tissues for the ending. (and don't read the middle of this thread if spoilers both you) ;)

[AtomicKitten]

26. thanks for the heads-up

I appreciate the spoiler warning!

[LizW]

31. Best line (spoilers)

"This is the one I've been waiting for all my life."

I LOVED the speech Ed Asner made about the FCC. It was awesome.

And I melted at Danny's declaration of love to Jordan while she had that half a sandwich packed in her cheek. :loveya:

[Sydnie]

32. I agree completely with your take on both counts

If we were watching together, we would be oohing, ahhing, and squealing together at the appropriate moments. I can just tell. :hi:

[LizW]

34. I know!

We would! :hi:

[Az]

35. I am a tad worried about the romances going on

And while the scene in question was quite charming.... I couldn't help feel it was being staged and that hijinks were about to ensue. I really hope they stay focused on the dialog and writing concerning the day to day issues of observing the day to day life of this world but its very easy for writers to get drawn into relationship stories instead. This show works better as a social commentary show. Turn up the heat on the romance too fast and it takes the focus off the main course. Let the romance simmer a bit longer I say and keep it on the back burner.

[Sydnie]

40. But it brings up so many issues to explore

Woman who is your boss pregnant with someone elses child? Lots of ways they can take that story line, don't you think?

[Az]

41. Ever heard of Murphy Brown?

Maybe I am just jaded. But I am really tired of them working the romances into the stories. Thats one of the things I appreciated about News Radio. They started off with the romance, screwed it up and then played with the tension it created.

The story here is strong enough that it doesn't need the hijinks of a romance. At least I think it is.

[BattyDem]

50. I wouldn't worry about Studio 60 taking the Murphy Brown route

Yes ... there were two budding romances tonight, but there was also:
- a beautiful tribute to New Orleans against a backdrop that highlighted the devastation and neglect by our government
- an FCC controversy that got in a few shots at the RW and defended free speech and freedom of the press
- some good, old-fashioned comic relief in a goofball storyline about Christmas in L.A. that included a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree, a cynical view about the "myths" of Christmas, sweat socks as tree ornaments and a conference table that split in two after being hit with a coconut!

Sorkin knows how to balance the storylines. Studio 60 will be fine. :-)

[Sydnie]

51. Don't forget the stick in the eye poke

at their own network with the Dateline sketch within the show on the show. Being able to laugh at themselves ... priceless.

[BattyDem]

53. "He's been visiting minors in the middle of the night for years!"

:rofl:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

72. They have 30 Rock to fill that role, and it's quite funny. eom

[BattyDem]

43. She's also pregnant by the guy who ruined his movie career

Something tells me this is going to get a LOT more complicated before Danny and Jordan find peace and happiness. ;-)

I'm glad they added some "relationship" stories into the mix because I honestly believe it will help the ratings in the long run. I know several people who have had trouble connecting with the subject matter. Maybe it was a little too "inside" for them, but now they're into it because the last few episodes have explored professional relationships, friendship and romance - yet the show has still managed to hang on to the social commentary. It's the best of both worlds. :-)


edited: typo :blush:

[Sydnie]

45. I didn't realize that was the father!

Oh, yes. It will get juicy!

[BattyDem]

52. He was the insurance agent who outed Danny as a drug addict

Isn't that why Danny couldn't get hired for 18 months by a studio? As an addict, he couldn't get insured until he tested negative for 18 months, so the movie studios wouldn't hire him - which is why he ended up on television again.

[Az]

46. I know

Thats what they are going for. Like I said they are dialing in their audience now. They cut a bunch of characters that were not resonating and are trying to shore up their ratings. Relationships are awlays there for that.

I like the show. But (All my friends have a big but - PeeWee Herman) I fear art by lowest common denomenator. Art should raise us up. It can't do that if it doesn't make us stretch a bit to get it. And unfortunately lowering itself to the masses is the staple of the media these days in the US. There is an irony here of course in that the show itself addresses this issue but due to desperation for ratings they have had to appeal to the LCD type issues as well.

Also keep in mind that the pregnancy was unintended. The actress playing the part became pregnant in real life. Its being written in. So there were no Machiavellan plans brewed in the background concerning the biodad of the baby.

I don't think this is the death of the show by any means. In our market rating = life. Without appealing to what they need to we would not be able to get some of the excellent dialog we are seeing in this show already. You give and take.

[BattyDem]

39. Ed Asner is PERFECT for that role!

I loved the look on Jack's face when he realized the "old man" was totally on his side! :-)

[knitter4democracy]

68. I had a big goofy smile during that scene.

Here she was, with her mouth full (I've been preggers and know that hunger), and he says all that. :) Just great.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

77. I place that right up there with the most romantic scenes in a tv show. Sighing here! eom

[Greybnk48]

33. It was wonderful.

The entire show was fabulous, but the tribute to NOLA made me cry. It was beautiful and a reminder not to forget the situation many are still in. It's frustrating not knowing how to help or who to trust (I don't trust the Red Cross at all).

[americanstranger]

36. The musicians on the show tonight...

...were all beneficiaries of the Tipitina's Foundation.

The 'Studio 60' site had this link - you might want to check it out if you're looking for a way to help.

http://www.tipitinasfoundation.org/

- as

[Greybnk48]

38. Thankyou. I'll check it out.

I would like to help somehow, but am leary after giving in the past only to find out I may have been duped. Thank you again.

[americanstranger]

42. You can't do any better than putting instruments

back into the hands of musicians. You know your donation will be put to a really good use - and the musicians will thank you, because their instruments were about all many of them had.

-as

[DURHAM D]

44. Just finished watching the show - had it tivoed.

I rushed to my computer to see if there is anyone on DU to share the moment and here you all are. I was overwhelmed with emotion and am still weeping. Honestly, it is the first time I have really grieved about the devastation - mostly I have just been angry.

A remarkable show.

[Sydnie]

47. I cried too

I was crying before I even realized it. It was beautiful, wasn't it?

[Az]

48. It pulled a few tears from my eyes as well

Damn writers. Writing stuff that affects us and makes us feel things.... :grr:

[DURHAM D]

54. It really was - they should give

Sorkin a Pulitzer (or something).

There is a guy named Andrew Sorkin who writes (business section) for the New York Times - wonder if they are related.

[aquart]

62. Started crying at the first note.

What a perfect illustration of the Christmas spirit, all the musicians in LA trying to help out the musicians from NOLA.

[Lex]

49. I cried like a baby too. Powerful episode.

The whole episode was good from beginning to end.

[ms liberty]

55. I never miss Studio 60 (or Heroes!)...

And you're right - it was an awesome show.

[Az]

57. Only two shows I watch regularly

I mean besides the Daily Show and the Cobert Report.

[knitter4democracy]

69. Same here.

Hubby and I never miss Heroes (great, great show) or Studio 60 (Sorkin with a long leash for once). We've given up on everything else other than Lost, which is MIA, and even then, we're wondering if Lost will be worth watching the rest of the season.

Of course, if we're with it and remember, we check out The Office and Earl and Scrubs. If we miss them, we don't get all that upset. If we missed Monday nights, though, we'd get upset.

[Az]

70. Sounds the same as this household

Haven't started watching Lost yet. But my brother is a big fan so we have been Replaying (ie Tivo) the current season and plan on renting the first two to see if its any good.

Earl and Scrubs are fine (prefence for scrubs) but I just can't get into the US version of The Office. It just comes off as too forced for me. The British original seemed a lot more natural to me. But hey, thats the cool thing of being a human. We all get our own opinions.

[knitter4democracy]

74. We have loved Scrubs from the beginning.

Of course, it helps that it started at the beginning of Hubby's intern year. He used to laugh his butt off at that show, some of the only times I saw him laugh that year. They've gotten away from the practice of medicine a bit in building all the characters' storylines. I miss that.

[Fleshdancer]

58. It was incredible tonight

I love Studio 60. The only thing that bothers me is that their fake skits are always ten times funnier than the crap on SNL. Take tonight for example...Santa Clause delivers gifts and gets interrogated by the To Catch a Predator show. "What do you think you're doing breaking into the home of a 12 yr old girl in the middle of the night??!?!?" Hilarious!

The band tribute tonight was pure art. I haven't seen anything that beautiful and touching in a long time.

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

59. Best episode so far...

Sorkin can really hit it sometimes, but like any risk-taker, his misses can be genuine disasters. This time, the show was nails - the whole thing was clicking on many levels, with alot of room for possibilities.

Ended by parhaps the most tasteful rendition I have ever heard of "Oh Holy Night". That young trumpet player and the entire group with him are damn fine musicians. Fat, round, perfect notes and seamless harmony - just breathtaking!

I hope this sends them all back to Nola with fat wallets and hope enough to spread around.

Huzzah!

[lies and propaganda]

60. I cried for my beloved city, it was a beautiful tribute.

whne far too many have well since forgotten about Hurricane *

[aquart]

63. Are you aware that at least one soap opera, Y&R

Has made repeated references to the tragedy of NOLA, even going so far as to have one character lose his grandmother to Katrina. In going thru her house, he found her diary, possibly containing vital family information, but couldn't read it for the water damage.

[Hekate]

61. It was wonderful--they really outdid themselves with the NOLA tribute

That part had me in tears. It should never be forgotten -- even when the last piece is cleaned up and restored, when the last refugee returns home -- Bush's crime should never be forgotten. I never got to visit New Orleans -- I hope I get to some day.

:grouphug: to all our Gulf Coast DUers.

Hekate

[knitter4democracy]

66. I cried. It was the best thing on Katrina I've seen on TV.

Just awesome. Powerful. I was impressed.

Dang, I love that show.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

71. Studio 60 has consistently been brilliant and the tribute to New Orleans

left me in tears. This has become my favorite television show.
I didn't quite know from where the Ed Asner character was going to go. On one hand, it was important that he made that Disney kind of deal and yet he was into giving free rein to Jordan when selecting new shows for the network. Last night he truly defined himself, and that made me weep too because it's only a tv show...the closest life imitates art in this sense is Keith Olbermann.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

73. Ooops! One more thing! The Santa Claus "To Catch A Predator"

was hysterical!

[knitter4democracy]

75. She sent me a letter.

:D

I'm still giggling today from that bit. I wish SNL were that good again.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

76. You have me giggling here! And you're right about SNL. In this case

Art, imitating Art, is so far superior to the original.
Maybe Sorkin can lend SNL some of its writers?

[Lex]

79. kick

:kick:

[laundry_queen]

81. It was really good.

My only problem was the stereotype "pregnant women = hungry all the time and pig out constantly".
Other than that, great show. The tribute was beautiful. The FCC story line - dead on.